Mixed Border with Summer Blooms and Good Structure

This plant combo for a mixed border delivers continuous bloom over several months in summer, and maintains interest through fall when the coral bark maple takes on yellow fall color and the Stipa gigantea blooms glow in the low, autumnal light. In winter, the red stems of the maple and structural forms of the hebe and phormium take center stage. In the Pacific Northwest, phormium are borderline hardy and the inclusion of this plant in this combo accounts for the zone rating of USDA 8; be prepared to replace it after particularly cold winters.

Growing Conditions

Zone: 8
Exposure: Afternoon Sun, Full Sun
Water Needs: Average, Low

Design Considerations

Style: Northwest Eclectic
Features: Varied Foliage, Texture, and Form, Fabulous Foliage, Fall Color, Flower Fest, Winter Interest
Focus: Mixed Border, Pleasing Seasonal Flow
Seasons of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest

Care and Maintenance


Maintenance Level: medium



Plants In this Combo